Griffin Helps Keep the Hornets Winless

Eddie Griffin left the New Orleans Hornets wondering what they have to do to get their first win of the season.

Griffin, a reserve, made 10 of 14 shots and scored 23 points, and Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 12 rebounds despite a shoulder injury in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 99-94 victory Saturday night in New Orleans.

Griffin came in averaging 6.5 points, but against the Hornets he made three three-point baskets to go with several dunks, layups and mid-range jumpers. He scored 12 points in the third quarter.

The Hornets are 0-8 and going through the worst start in franchise history. They have lost six times at home and now face a five-game Western Conference trip.

Utah 92, Atlanta 79 -- The Jazz made 11 of 12 free throws in the final 4:18 at Atlanta to fend off a comeback attempt by the Hawks, who twice pulled to within five points in the fourth quarter but couldn’t get any closer.

In all, the Jazz made 17 of 21 free throws, but the Hawks struggled from the line and converted 10 of 22. Andrei Kirilenko blocked seven shots and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Jazz, which held a 46-37 advantage on the boards.

Cleveland 100, Charlotte 84 -- At Cleveland, LeBron James scored 25 points, former Clipper Jeff McInnis had a season-high 24 and the Cavaliers won their sixth in a row. McInnis scored seven consecutive points during an 11-0 run late in the third quarter when the Cavaliers built an 18-point lead.

Washington 97, New Jersey 86 -- Larry Hughes scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to help the Wizards post their first victory in East Rutherford, N.J., since 1999. It was also the first win for former Net assistant and current Wizard Coach Eddie Jordan against his old team.

Memphis 100, Golden State 87 -- Stromile Swift scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies at Oakland. Troy Murphy scored 27 points, the most of his career, and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Warriors.